Photo Gallery
The Bethsaida 2005 season has finished; and it was a wonderful season. In the name of all of the volunteers I wish to thank Dr. Arav for this "experience of a lifetime"; digging at Bethsaida. Dr's. McNamer, Roddy , and Savage added greatly to the success of this season. We also must remember the efficient coordination job accomplished by Steve Reynolds.
During week 9 a small group continued to dig out the northern extension of the iron age street. In addition, a small amount of excavating was done on the area between the outer and inner city walls just west of the iron age street. A beautiful bone spindle whorl was found (see picture at lower left). The east side of the street was uncovered down to the iron age cobblestones. It is not clear what is happening at the most northern part of the street - does it end or does it turn? Next year will hopefully solve this mystery. The 2 pictures below show the street looking north and looking south. An unfinished anchor shown in situ was found in addition to the anchors previously found in the rubble destruction on top of the street. An interesting layer of somewhat uniform stones at street level, lying in the east/west direction runs from the eastern side of the street and continues under the destruction boulders. Dr. Arav believes that this might be a water channel. He'll have all winter to contemplate this theory. Opening it up next season will determine exactly what these stones were used for.
The last day was spent cleaning up, taking pictures, putting all the tools away into the store room and saying a fond adieu to Dr. Arav and the fellow volunteers.
Pictures can be enlarged by going to the photo gallery & clicking on the desired picture.
Note : Interesting archaeology blog - http://archaeologydigs.blogspot.com/